If you find yourself right in the middle of the Jurassic Coast with your canine companion you will be looking for dog-friendly walks in Weymouth no doubt. Hike, ramble and walk with your pooch and these are just a few of the great dog friendly days out in Weymouth on offer.
Find Good Places to Walk Dogs in Weymouth
Weymouth with its Victorian seafront houses and gaslit harbour harks back to days of yore, yet its coastline’s history goes back a lot further than 100-odd years. In fact, all around it are sites of historical and scientific interest dating back eons, making dog walking in Weymouth much more than a Marley-and-me meander.
The Best Walks in Weymouth for Dogs
1. The Rodwell Trail
Unusual, in that it is a route using a disused railway line, it is a paws straightforward affair over four miles. Tended to by the Friends of the Rodwell Trail it includes Sandsfoot Castle and gardens. It has unrivalled views over Portland and is within walking distance from Weymouth, starting at the Jubilee Tower.
2. Tout Quarry Sculpture Trail, Isle of Portland
For views over Chesil Beach and Portland you will walk a path that leads to where the famous Portland stone was quarried. Now a Nature Reserve, it has 70 limestone sculptures on route as a tribute to its heyday. Due to the wildlife habitats, you are asked to keep Lassie on her lead over the mile stretch.
3. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove
This has to be one of the best dog friendly beaches in Weymouth. Leaving Lulworth Cove, there are no designated routes that give you and your pet carte blanche in this delightful part of Dorset. The blue waters in the shadow of the iconic natural limestone rock are perfect to keep any water baby happy.
4. Radipole Lake, Weymouth
It is rare you are going to find not only a country park but a full-on nature reserve in the middle of a seaside town. In the heart of Weymouth are 200 acres of RSPB designated water and reed beds with a surfaced one-mile trail between the rushes to platforms where you and stop bird watch with your four-legged buddy in tow.
5. Fossil Forest
This gives woodland walks in Weymouth with dogs a whole new meaning as you explore a forest like no other. It is only two miles from Lulworth Cove to the petrified remains of a cypress forest from the days of the dinosaurs. While you marvel, Mutley can muck about in the warm lagoon.
The Best Circular Walks in Weymouth for your Dog
1. The Cogden Circular
A circular 2.2-mile easy stroll through wildflower meadows and farmland emerges from a cluster of willows onto Cogden, part of the larger Chesil Beach, a Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Laddie needs to be on a lead in the fields of grazing livestock, otherwise, he is free to frolic on the dog-friendly beach.
2. Abbotsbury Castle
This six-mile challenging route follows the back of Chesil Bank taking you through 5,000 years of history. Flat with one long climb, it is high above the coastline along the South Dorset Ridgeway, where you will find the ruins of an iron hillfort known as Abbotsbury Castle. Abbotsbury Beach’s dog-friendly shores will be welcome for hot paws.
3. Moonfleet Walk
This moderate-level magical trail is 6.2 miles long through farmland and onto the Fleet Lagoon that is luminous at sunset. Here you will see the Abbotsbury swans nesting and the crash of the waves from Chesil Beach is ever-present. If the walk proves too much for tiny paws, then there is a shortcut available on waymarked paths.
Best Dog-Friendly Coastal Walks in Weymouth
1. Seatown to Lyme Regis
For you and your fur baby to see furthest than any point on the whole south coast, head for Seatown where you can climb 627ft to the top of Golden Cap. This is only for starters so make sure your pooch is ready for a nine-mile beachcomb to Lyme Regis. You will pass by Charmouth Beach, one of the best places to hunt for fossils.
2. Old Harry Rocks
Take the 40-minute drive to Studland and embark on a breathtaking 3.8-mile walk on the cliffs high above the shoreline to see Old Harry for yourself. Even your pup will be impressed by this natural formation of limestone that juts out into the turquoise sea. If you wish to venture onto Studland beach itself be aware that dogs aren’t allowed on certain stretches.
3. Durdle Door
This has to be one of the best coastal dog walks in Weymouth. Leaving Lulworth Cove, there are no designated routes giving you and your pet carte blanche of this delightful part of Dorset. The blue waters in the shadow of the iconic natural limestone rock are perfect to keep your canine happy.
Country Park Walks
1. Tout Quarry Sculpture Trail and Nature Reserve
For views over Chesil Beach from the Isle of Portland you will walk a path that leads to where the famous Portland stone was quarried. Now a Nature Reserve, it has 70 limestone sculptures on route as a tribute to its heyday. Due to the wildlife habitats, you are asked to keep Lassie on her lead over the mile stretch.
2. Thorncombe Woods to Hardy’s Cottage
Far From the Madding Crowd is where you and your pup will find yourselves on this magical 2.2-mile route that goes through ancient woodland with a well preserved Roman road running through it and onto author Thomas Hardy’s cottage. About 10 miles from Weymouth, it is worth the drive because even if you aren’t a Hardy fan, there is some great heathland with panoramic countryside views.
3. Lodmoor Country Park
For a variety of terrain from reedbed to wet grassland, you and your buddy can do one of the available trails in this bird-rich nature reserve. If you have tots in tow, then there is a playground and miniature train, as well as a pitch and putt golf course and aquarium.
Last Word
Weymouth, with its easy access from most main cities in the UK, makes it one of the top dog walking spots that can be enjoyed along its dramatic coast, up clifftops and even in the very heart of this charming town itself.
You’ll be pleased to know that whatever route you choose, some of the best dog-friendly days out in Weymouth are never too far away, especially from Weymouth dog friendly cottages and our terrific selection of Weymouth dog friendly hot tub cottage holidays.